Genius Pitcher Hides 170Km [EN]: Chapter 369

#368. World Series (7)

Some argue it’s useless, but a batting average of .478 with runners in scoring position is truly remarkable.

It essentially means that for every two opportunities to drive in a run, he succeeds at least once.

Using Han Su-hyeok as the leadoff hitter might seem like a waste of his run-producing capabilities to some.

But there was no other choice.

In a situation where a single loss means the end, it was obvious that the Cardinals’ dugout would focus on neutralizing Han Su-hyeok.

Therefore, instead of relying on Han Su-hyeok’s RBI [Runs Batted In] production, Manager Benjamin gave him a new mission.

Whether it’s a walk, a hit, or even a home run, just get on base, no matter what.

Clang!

In the bottom of the first inning, Han Su-hyeok, avoiding a direct challenge, smacked a breaking ball and reached second base.

He had perfectly executed the manager’s new mission.

With a runner on second and no outs, it was now the turn of Ty Johnson, the living legend of Major League Baseball.

“Damn it, Ty. I hate to face you in a game like this.”

“I feel the same. But what can we do? That’s baseball.”

“True enough. In that case, why don’t you concede this game to us? For old time’s sake.”

“Can’t do that. If I did, that guy over there would tear me apart.”

“…Damn it, that guy. Ty, no matter how I look at it, it’s strange. Do you really think it makes sense for a rookie with only four years of experience to be so good at baseball?”

“Well, the world isn’t fair, I guess. Anyway, let’s get this over with, Marquis.”

Two players who had spent a lot of time together as teammates and key members of the batting lineup until last season were now burning with competitive spirit against each other.

The Cardinals’ players were briefly thrown into a panic after losing Ty Johnson, who had maintained a slash line of .300/.400/.500 [batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage] with over 30 home runs and 100 RBIs for more than 10 years – a true textbook hitter.

Fortunately, rookie first baseman A.J. Jones, who was called up to the big leagues more than half a year earlier than initially planned, filled Ty’s void to some extent by posting an impressive first season with 40 home runs and 100 RBIs.

But Ty Johnson’s absence wasn’t just about those numbers.

The void left by the veteran who anchored the team in every game, the world’s best player who made them feel like they could take on anyone, was enormous.

Nevertheless, the Cardinals reached the World Series again this year, and they were facing their former captain as an opponent.

Clang!

“Strike!”

“Hmm, I was wondering whether to say something last time, but Charles, your pitches seem to have improved.”

“That’s right. He’s really fired up to strike you out.”

“Heh, interesting.”

Charles Washington, who was on the mound for today’s World Series final, was a player who had particularly admired Ty Johnson until last season.

They got along well personally, and their families were also close.

Ty Johnson also happened to hit a lot of home runs in games where Charles Washington pitched.

Ty Johnson swung at the first pitch thrown by Charles Washington without hesitation.

Clang!

A bullet-like hit that split the gap between first and second base.

But Corey Nelson, considered the best fielder in the National League and even in all of Major League Baseball, snagged the ball.

“Out!”

“Argh, damn it!”

“How many hits has that bastard robbed from me!”

“Hey, Han! Why don’t we just buy that guy? Are we short on cash? We can chip in!”

While Ty Johnson was being called out at first base, Han Su-hyeok advanced to third base.

Ty Johnson, who had done his part to some extent, though not perfectly, returned to the dugout with a calm expression.

Bottom of the first, one out, runner on third,

The stands were already buzzing with excitement, even though the game had just begun.

* * *

[3rd Batter DH Antonio Garcia]

During the regular season, Derek Fleming would always bat 3rd in games where Han Su-hyeok led off and Ty Johnson followed.

This was to utilize Derek’s ability to execute plays according to the situation.

But today, Manager Benjamin was showcasing an adventurous lineup by placing Tony and Derek one after the other behind Han Su-hyeok and Ty Johnson.

Designated hitter Antonio Garcia, who recorded interesting stats this season with a batting average of .212, on-base percentage of .345, slugging percentage of .524, 45 home runs, and 88 RBIs.

He wondered.

Why did they give him the 3rd spot?

What if Derek was in the 3rd spot as usual in this situation?

With his knack for clever plays, he would have brought the runner on third home with a deep infield hit or a squeeze bunt.

But the manager’s choice was him, not Derek. He was placed in the most crucial position in the Seattle lineup, behind Han Su-hyeok and Ty Johnson.

He realized it in an instant.

What the manager was hoping for.

It was the long hit that Tony was best at.

“Play!”

The final game of the World Series, with both teams’ third starters facing off,

The manager seemed to predict that there would be a lot of scoring in today’s game.

That’s why he placed him in the 3rd spot, as he had more power than Derek.

Clench

He wanted to repay their expectations.

Antonio Garcia, whose stubbornness was second to none in Major League Baseball, firmly gripped the bat, never swinging unless the pitch was outside his zone.

At that moment, a pitch came towards him, about one ball’s width low in the middle of his body, a pitch he would have normally let pass.

Tony’s bat swung powerfully. He abandoned his own standards and stubbornness to meet the expectations of the manager and the fans.

Clang!

With a refreshing sound, the well-hit ball soared into the sky.

“Whoaaaa!”

“Go! Go! Please! Please!”

Tony’s characteristic liner-like hit flew powerfully towards the right fielder.

And,

Thud

“Argh! It didn’t go over!”

“Run! Tony! Give it everything you’ve got!”

The ball, which hit the very top of the center-right field fence, rolled in front of the right fielder.

Han Su-hyeok walked home almost casually, while Tony, having squeezed out every last bit of strength, rounded second base and arrived at third.

“Haa!”

He let out a powerful roar towards the crowd as he stepped on third base.

First run scored, followed by a one-out, runner on third chance.

And,

Tap

As expected, Derek Fleming’s exquisite squeeze bunt, which was hard to stop, brought Tony home, making the score 2-0.

It was the moment when Manager Benjamin’s gamble paid off.

* * *

The Seattle Mariners, who scored two runs in the bottom of the first,

Mike Warren, who received the support of the batters, put in even more effort.

Starting with James McCoy, who became the Cardinals’ new captain and core hitter after Ty Johnson left, followed by Malcolm Peters, a .300 hitter with 20 home runs, and Marquis Daily, a catcher who also recorded nearly 20 home runs.

Mike Warren, who had successfully shut down the Cardinals’ 4th, 5th, and 6th batters, drank his beverage with a lighthearted expression.

“Mike, I don’t think I’ve told you yet…”

“What is it, Leonard?”

“Do you know how awesome you are today?”

“Heh, it’s nice to hear, even if it’s just lip service.”

“Hmm, it’s not lip service, it’s genuine… Damn it, I’ll make sure to be ready to catch your knuckleball this winter. Just you wait.”

“I’ll be expecting it, young friend.”

Leonard Jones, who performed better than expected as a backup catcher this season, nodded with a determined expression.

Bruce Matthews, the starting catcher, will become a free agent soon. Even if that’s not the only reason, player management will become more flexible if the backup catcher can catch Mike’s knuckleball.

While Leonard was making his own resolutions, Jim Brown’s well-hit ball was sucked into the glove of the Cardinals’ center fielder.

The Seattle fans’ lamentations echoed as if the ground was collapsing, and the batter, who had his double stolen, broke his bat himself.

One out, no runners on base, Bruce Matthews stepped up to the plate.

The Seattle starting catcher, who is receiving a lot of attention from other teams even before acquiring FA [Free Agent] status due to his decent fielding skills and occasional long hits.

Nothing was decided yet.

He was thinking of staying with this team if possible, but if there was a team that valued him more, he might leave.

But what’s important now isn’t his future or his value.

The only thought in Bruce’s mind at this moment.

How to get on base and create an opportunity for Han Su-hyeok.

Bruce, who plays a central role in the Seattle’s lower batting order, which is considered relatively weak compared to the powerful upper batting order, shortened his bat and prepared for a level swing.

Charles Washington, a finesse pitcher who recorded an ERA [Earned Run Average] of 3.51 with 15 wins and 7 losses this season.

He thought that this approach might be more effective against his fastball, which is below the Major League average.

And his thoughts were correct.

Clang!

The well-hit ball headed between first and second base, and even Corey Nelson, the Cardinals’ best second baseman, couldn’t catch it.

“Nice! Let’s go again!”

“Don’t even think about running away and stick with the Mariners, Bruce!”

Bruce raised his hand to the fans who were chanting his name.

No matter how many times he thought about it, he still couldn’t come to a conclusion about his future.

But what does that matter?

Isn’t he wearing a Mariners uniform and standing on first base right now?

“Bruce! Bruce! Bruce!”

“The best catcher in Major League Baseball!”

Next year, or sometime in the future, he might part ways with them,

But at this moment, Bruce Matthews was so proud of the Mariners uniform he was wearing.

[8th Batter Second Baseman Liam Landman]

Seattle Mariners manager Benjamin Reynolds’ greatest strength is his flexibility to change his mind depending on the situation, and to abandon even his long-held baseball philosophy if he thinks it’s the right thing to do.

Bottom of the 2nd inning, 2-0, one out, runner on first.

Some might question his timidity, and he might be ridiculed by sabermetricians [baseball statistics analysts] who say that bunts are a waste of outs,

And some might laugh at him for making a questionable choice because he played baseball in Asia,

Nevertheless, Manager Benjamin gave the sacrifice bunt sign without hesitation.

It was a bunt in a one-out situation, which is rare in Major League Baseball.

Tap

“Second! No, first!”

Seattle’s 8th batter, Liam Landman, successfully executed a beautiful sacrifice bunt that met the manager’s expectations.

Two outs, runner on second, Josh Oliver stepped up to the plate.

A defensive shortstop who is uniquely called a hole in the Seattle Mariners lineup, which boasts the most home runs in the American League this season.

The Cardinals’ pitcher, determined not to give up a hit to at least this player, threw every pitch with all his might.

But Josh’s mental strength was also formidable.

The manager placed his trust in him, who is called a hole in the Mariners lineup, recording a batting average of less than .250 this season.

Encouraged by that trust, Josh Oliver faced the pitcher with all his might.

Clang!

“Foul!”

A close battle that lasted until the 7th pitch, and,

“Ball! Base on balls.”

He didn’t hit the timely hit he was aiming for.

But getting a walk was enough.

The stadium suddenly became quiet.

[1st Batter Third Baseman Han Su-hyeok]

Two outs, runners on first and second.

Han Su-hyeok, who nodded his head from side to side to the intense bass sound that made it seem like something was about to happen, slowly stepped into the batter’s box.